Year 278 After the Conquest.Winter has yet to arrive, but the North has already learned to fear it—and to respect those who know how to survive it.
Three Years, Six Journeys, One New House of Power
Since the first caravan was sent south in the year 275 AC, House Hornwood had changed forever. Where once there was poverty and isolation, now there was wealth, foresight, and respect.
Each year, two caravans traveled south, escorted by Frey horsemen and now also by spearmen from the Clovers—a new house allied by blood. Each of these expeditions generated approximately 50,000 gold dragons in gross profit, from which:
5% went to the Freys (5000 dragons).
Another 5% to the Clovers (5000 dragons).
Leaving 40,000 net dragons for House Hornwood per trip.
With six trips completed over three years, House Hornwood had amassed around 240,000 net gold dragons, along with a growing prestige among the houses of the North.
Strategic Marriage: Halys Hornwood and Rowena Clover
In the year 277 AC, Halys sealed a marital alliance with House Clover by marrying Rowena Clover, 18 years old and younger sister to Lord Clover. Though timid in court and soft-spoken, Rowena proved to have a sharp mind for administration.
Under her management, Hornwood optimized storage, accounting, and food redistribution. Reinforced granaries were established, along with salt warehouses and even a school for scribes and accountants—something unheard of for a minor house in the North.
With her, Halys gained not only a loyal wife, but also an efficient and silent right hand—capable of organizing resources like a maester, but with the political shrewdness of a quiet queen.
Gold Comes from the South, but Strength Comes from the North
The key to their economic success wasn't just furs, but a new resource: ironwood.
The Clovers controlled sparse yet rich forests of this prized material, which was now being logged in a regulated manner and exported as shields, spears, and treated planks. This wood, harder and more durable than the oaks of the Reach, sold easily in the Riverlands and the Vale, where craftsmen turned it into weapons or fortress defenses.
Each Hornwood caravan departed south with:
Tanned hides of bear, wolf, and northern deer.
Planks, spears, and shields made of worked ironwood.
And returned with:
Tons of cured meat, dried grains, and salt.
Dried fruits, olive oil, and sometimes cheap wine.
The exchange was not only profitable—it was vital for the winter.